Grace Hill Training Tip of the Week

HELPING EMPLOYEES NAVIGATE EMERGING COMPLIANCE TOPICS

One of the trickiest things about compliance training is keeping up with changing laws and emerging topics. You likely keep up with federal law, and even legislative activity in your own state, but how often do you take the time to explore what’s going on in other states?

Effective January 1, 2018, the mandatory training must cover harassment based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Even if you don’t have employees or properties in California, this legislation is worth noting.

Let’s take a quick quiz.

Scenario-based questions like this help learners apply guidance to their jobs and also to remember what they have learned better.

Will is an employee who was assigned the sex “female” at birth, but identifies as a male. Will met with his supervisor to let him know that he wants people to use male pronouns when referring to him. Which is the best thing for the supervisor to do after hearing Will’s request?

Use male pronouns when referring to Will and ensure other employees do too

Insist on using female pronouns when referring to Will since he was born a female

Note in Will’s employee file that he is a trouble maker and should not be promoted

Tell Will he will try to remember to use male pronouns, but can’ make any promises

To some, the topics of gender identity and gender expression may seem complex, but there is a simple approach. Focus on employees’ work performance, not their characteristics. When reviewing job applicants, make decisions based on how they compare to the stated job description and requirements. Everyone has the right to a respectful, safe work environment. Building a culture of civility and respect in your organization takes a thoughtful, ongoing effort.

Even if training on these topics is not mandated in your state, California’s recent legislation is a good reminder to keep your compliance training current so employees know how to appropriately navigate emerging topics.

Join us for a webinar on California’s recent changes.

If you are an employer in California, Grace Hill wants you to understand how these laws will impact you and your business. Please join us on December 12 at 3PM EST for a webinar about the impact of new legal requirements on California employers. Register for the webinar here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7429775389545552129

Note that Grace Hill’s Sexual Harassment California Supervisor course is being updated to meet the new requirements. The updated course will be released at the end of December.

October 11 2018

Grace Hill Announces Acquisition of The Strategic Solution

The connection will improve company performance and risk reduction efforts for clients